Potty training a puppy is a lot of hardwork. That is what we learned from the past 2 weeks since we’ve had Charlie, our new pet. He is only 2 months old and still can’t control his bladder so he just pees everywhere and still doesn’t have a routine. Most often, we fail to bring him outside and our floor is already wet. Thankfully, our floor is made of tiles so it is not difficult to clean up.

But someday, when Charlie is fully trained, I would like to have carpets installed around certain parts of the house. It would definitely make the rooms even more comfortable and cozy. We don’t have to wear slippers constantly. But because of our weather here in the country, it would be difficult to find the best carpet suitable for our climate. I just checked Albany Flooring Showroom, and liked the soft but durable carpet that they are selling. They are even offering 50% off on this item.

Though one of the major issues I have with having carpets is carpet cleaning. Since my hubby and daughter both are asthmatic. I think carpet cleaning should be given enough attention and I am afraid of spills too. Since I have a very physically active little, I wonder how we can ensure that the carpet will stay clean from spills?

Anyway, we won’t be installing carpets anytime soon, but someday, when the kids are older, I would want to experience having carpets at home.

Living in our house here in Santa Rosa Laguna for the past 8 years, we haven’t really had any major renovations. The only major change that we have done is turning our front lawn area which used to be grass into cement.

If we had the extra money, we would certainly renovate major parts of our house.

- The changes in the living area would include making the area more spacious. When awake, this is the place where our family spends most of our time together. We spend family time here by reading together, watching movies or sports together.

-  We would change the windows to wide ones like those from the denver window companies to utilize the solar power more efficiently. This would also help the breeze to enter allowing more ventilation in the house.

- We would construct a small garage area where all the bicycles and its accessories would be kept. It can also serve as a storage room.

- We would construct a fence for additional security.

- Fix the drainage around the lawn area. This would eliminate flooding especially when there is heavy rain.

- Install walk-in cabinets in both rooms.

Major house renovation takes a lot of planning. It also entails major expenses. I pray that the Lord would provide the provisions we woould need for the completion of this prohect.

Moving is both exciting and potentially fraught with upheaval. When you’ve just moved house and you’re still living out of boxes, you can feel unsettled, no matter how exhilarating it is to make a new space your own.

If you have friends or loved ones going through this hectic time, there are two things that can really help them to settle in: company and gifts. There’s a reason why housewarming parties are a rite of passage: it’s because it really does ‘warm’ an unfamiliar place to fill it with familiar faces and the laughter of friends. And of course, no one going to a housewarming do should ever show up without a gift for the new pad.

A great gift for the home should ideally show that you’ve paid attention to the owners’ tastes. If you’re unsure of exactly what they might like, it’s difficult to go wrong with scented candles – as well as creating a soft ambience, they give off welcoming fragrances that will instantly make a new house seem like a home.

Many luxury cosmetics and designer brands, as well as niche perfumeries, offer scented candles imbued with rich fragrances that last for hours. A single candle from a high-quality brand makes a sophisticated gift, especially when beautifully wrapped.

If you know the new homeowners well and are confident about their tastes, a more stand-out statement piece will be a welcome addition to a home that may well be in need of personalising. Glassware is not only aesthetically pleasing but often useful: new wine or cocktail glasses always come in handy, or a beautifully designed vase makes a lovely housewarming gift.

A painting or another piece of artwork is a very special present. If you have a good idea of the kind of visual art your friends prefer, look around for one-off pieces in smaller independent art galleries. Building a new home could be the perfect opportunity for your friends to begin a collection of works by an artist previously unknown to them. Alternatively, an art book will instantly add a touch of glamour to a bare coffee table.

If shopping for housewarming gifts is on the cards, it helps to be well equipped. Shop with an American Express Nectar credit card for the opportunity to earn Nectar points for every £1 you spend, helping to make your money go further. Representative 19.9% APR variable.